With the 50th Aniversary and closing of the 11th Doctor's era, there has never been a better time than to take a look back at the must see episodes in the series.
The resurrection of New Who has caused many fans to want to take a look at the old continuity. However, it's easy to be intimidated by the amount of matterial. For those confused on where to start, I’ve assembled a list of what I consider the essential stories of the Doctor Who show.
Each update will cover a different doctor and be comprised of the significant episodes and (what I consider) the best episodes from each doctor. So let’s dive in.
THE FIRST DOCTOR
The first doctor saw the most development over the series, as the writers were still working the tone and style over his run. At the beginning he is just another stiff necked, self-important Timelord, not too different from later Timelord’s we meet in the series. He begins his journey by just wanting to see the universe but never interfering in anything. With the help of companions such as Ian Chestnut and Barbara White, he slowly becomes a better person, a gentler man, and at many times a hero.
The beginning of the series introduces the Doctor as a rogue Timelord (though the name of his species had yet to be created). Being one of the more brilliant minds of Gallifrey, the Doctor grew bored and decided to steal away an outdated TARDIS to go joyriding around in time and space.
His relationship to the TARDIS was a new one at this point and we can assume that he recently stole the time machine because he has little knowledge on how to control it and just bounces from time and place with no real objective.
Unlike later versions of the character who are lonely or bored, this Doctor originally is looking for isolation and solitude. His companions seems to latch onto him accidentally and are taken away for a ride.
An Unearthly Child:
It’s the very first story in the series. It introduced the concept, the TARDIS, the Doctor himself, and his granddaughter Susan. The story itself drags a little and lacks the science fiction edge the series became known for, but still serves as a solid start to the long running show.
The Daleks:
The second story of the show that saved the series from having the plug pulled early. It set more of the tone for the series as a whole and introduced the Daleks who would become the Doctor’s biggest, oldest, and most present villains over the years. More importantly it took the show away from the originally intended "educational" aspect that the creator envisioned.
The Edge of Darkness:
Previously the TARDIS was just a quirky time machine that the doctor had no idea of how to control. This story definitively introduced the idea that the TARDIS is alive and has a mind of its own. It’s also notable for being mostly a character study of the leads rather than featuring any monster or alien threat.
The Dalek Invasion of Earth:
This was the first time the show brought back a previous villain. The Dalek’s immense popularity caused the show runners to write a second story with them, further solidifying their place in the series as a major baddie. It also featured the first departure of a companion and established the rotating cast arrangement on the show. The final moments of the story feature the first doctor’s most famous scene for his run.
The Time Meddler:
This is the first time that we see a Timelord besides The Doctor and Susan. It’s also one of the strongest episodes in the first Doctor’s run. It shows a bit more insight into the laws of the Timelord’s and gives the first Doctor a great villain. Here the Meddling Monk serves as almost a prototype of a later character that would be introduced- The Master.
The Tenth Planet:
Due to the junking of episodes by the BBC, the last episode in this story is missing but the audio and still frames can be found to complete the story. It is still well worth the watch, both as a well written serial, and for it's historical significance to the series as a whole. This is the first episode to feature the Cybermen, who became one of the biggest villains for the doctor. More importantly, it’s the first episode to introduce the concept of the doctor changing his face, what would later be referred to as his "regeneration".
By now Hartnell had become too old to remember lines and was forced into retirement. In a stroke of writing genius the show runners decided to have his character dodge death in a unique way that saved the show and has ultimately kept it running to this day.
Stay tuned for future Doctor Who Essentials!
THE SECOND DOCTOR